There are still roadblocks ahead, but the early forecast for women's MMA in the UFC looks promising.

The curtains rolled back on "The Ronda Rousey Show" at UFC 157 on Saturday night.

For the first time in UFC history, women not only competed inside the Octagon, but Ronda Rousey's bantamweight title bout with Liz Carmouche stood alone as the main attraction.

The mere idea of women headlining a UFC pay-per-view card was initially met with all-around resentment.

How could a bout between Rousey and Carmouche possibly be held in higher relevance than one between legendary light heavyweights Dan Henderson and LyotoMachida?

For Rousey and Carmouche, it was never about outdoing the men or snubbing legacies. It was about proving they belong and showing that they deserve to compete on the same stage as past and current all-time greats.

Like every man to ever step through the cage door, Rousey and Carmouche put everything on the line. It was all there—blood, sweat, heart, determination.

The crowning moment came at the end as thousands stood to applaud the women. It represented a monumental step forward in the sport. Women will now and forever be an integral part of MMA.

Here are three reasons new fans will stick around after Rousey and Carmouche.

Great Fights and Blooming Stars

"The Ronda Rousey Show" is at full steam ahead, but thankfully, the future of women's MMA won't hinge solely on the efforts of the judo Olympian.

There are a plethora of talented women fighters in the world, and UFC fans will undoubtedly be treated to some great fights.

Fighters like Sara McMann, Miesha Tate, Sarah Kaufman and Cat Zingano will be welcome additions to the UFC roster. They each have the potential to be major stars in the women's bantamweight division.

As with everything, it will take time before women's MMA receives full acceptance from fans. Hardcore fans should remember the resentment UFC president Dana White underwent when he decided to bring back the lightweight division several years ago.

As great fights unfold and stars continue to emerge, the stock of women's MMA will steadily be on the rise.